Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2010 Challenge Archive
>
April- Pick It For Me! Challenge

My recs for you from your TBR are Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. I saw you've read and enjoyed a bunch of her other books, so you may like Sookie too. Another author you seem to like already is Kelley Armstrong, so how about Bitten? You've her Darkest Powers books, so chances are you'll like her Women of the Otherworld.
There's also Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. I have to admit this sat on my TBR for over a year before I finally got to it, and then kicked myself for not reading it sooner! It's a brilliant book. Lastly from your TBR - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It's a great book, and Darcy is definitely worth the read!
Non-TBR books I'm recommending - Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver as you read a lot of YA. It's set in the very distant past (we're talking Stone Age) but it's an incredible read. It's a little bit like the Golden Compass, in terms of the fantasy element but it blew me away the first time I read it.
I saw you'd read The Awakening & The Struggle, but if you want to give L.J. Smith another try it might be worth switching to the Night World with Night World, No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder. I hated the Vampire Diaries the first time I tried reading them, but the Night World I've loved since day 1.
Lastly, how about Emma if you don't feel like P&P? It's my favourite Austen so far, and some of the sarcastic comments still managed to raise my eyebrows now! Otherwise, I've heard good things about Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford - especially as you've got Pride, Prejudice and Zombies on your shelves. I haven't read it (yet) but you might enjoy it.
Hopefully, there'll be something you like here. If not let me know and I'll find something else.
Nairabell


Ok so I went through your list and came up with a variety:
Historical Romance:
The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
[book:Tempt..."
I liked the suggestions you made! I think I´ll read The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie. Thanks

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm going to read Blood Brothers first, it'll work with the paranormal romance challenge, but the others are going on my TBR shelf. Black Ice looks particularily interesting and I've never read anything by that author.
You have a lot of vampire books on your shelf so if you want to add one more I'd recommend Interview With the Vampire. I read it many years ago but it hooked me from the first page.
If you want a nudge for a book from your TBR to read I'd suggest either Perfume: The Story of a Murderer or The Host. I just read them and thought they were fantastic! The Host was actually picked for me in March since I'd never read anything by Meyer and I like sci/fi. I'm guessing you'd probably get to it eventually judging from your ratings for the Twilight series.
I'm currently reading the In Death series and would definitely recommend Naked in Death since you seem to enjoy thrillers.
If you're up for a historical romance (my favourite genre), Lord of Scoundrels is really good. It had me laughing out loud several times while reading it and is one of those books that turns up on a lot of peoples favourite romance/heroes lists.
Finally, if you are at all interested in science fiction, one of my all time favourite novels is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's a pretty short, easy read that I'd recommend it to anybody.
Hopefully something here appeals to you, and you love whatever you choose to read!

I went a bit crazy! I'm not sure how many of these books are upbeat or have happy endings. I noticed that you like a lot of suspense--I'm not a huge suspense fan so, I picked based on what I've heard or read about them. I'm fairly new to historicals so, I picked one that I read and others I've heard good things about. I noticed that you were willing to read other genres so, I did some digging. I picked a couple from your tbr if I was completely off the mark with my recs.
Historicals
A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (love this author and her books thus far)
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
Suspense
I'm Watching You by Karen Rose
Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton
I'll Be Seeing You by Mary Higgins Clark
Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
Shoot to Thrill by Nina Bruhns
Contemporary
See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson
Paradise by Judith McNaught
Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Other Types Of Books
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (fiction)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (YA Science Fiction)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (Humor)
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert (Memoir)
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks (loved it)(Fiction)
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale (fantasy novel)
Your TBR
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie
I hope you find something you like! If not let me know and I'll try again.

You have so many of my favorite books on your shelfs! :) I hope that you'll like one of these...
Young Adult (but so good!):
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Beau..."</i>
All right Annvelwis... thanks for the list of books you picked for me, I want to read them all!
I tried to put as much effort on your books as you did for mine so.. after some research on your shelves, I think I came up with some pretty good books for you.
I noted that you liked the BDB series and my very best advice is for you to start the Immortals After Dark Series, it’s not among your TBR but I’m pretty sure you’re gonna love it!!
[book:A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #2) by Kresley Cole
Or start another new series..
First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World, #1) by Jeaniene Frost
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Jane Jameson, #1) by Molly Harper
Highland Warrior (Campbell Trilogy, #1) by Monica McCarty
Storm Glass (Glass, #1) by Maria V. Snyder
I also noted that you’re reading some series so if you want to catch up..
Shades of Midnight (Midnight Breed, #7) by Lara Adrian
Ecstasy Unveiled (Demonica, #4) by Larissa Ione
The Vampire and the Virgin (Love at Stake, #8) by Kerrelyn Sparks
If you’re in the mood for some historical romance…
Gentle Rogue (Malory Family, Book 3) by Johanna Lindsey
Or if you want something totally different but still good, I promise it is so much better than the movie.
Angels & Demons(Robert Langdon, #1) by Dan Brown
Enjoy!!

Hah, I think you're a bit cruel ;) Chosing only one of these for this month reads is very difficult... It's like choosing between creme brulee and tiramisu, hah.
...still thinking...
So. If I'll be able to read Fire Study before 20th I think I'll read Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder, but if that doesn't work I'll read Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione.
I'm sure I'll read the rest of your picks sooner or later (rather sooner) - even Dan Brown [I didn't see the movie, either ;D Conspiracy theory of, heh, prophetic proportions isn't my first choice of entertainment:]

Thanks for the recs, i going to to start reading The Merchant of Death
I will have to read others that you pick form me also!


You have A LOT of books on your to read self.
I recently picked up a new book... suprisingly not on your shelf :)
Fragile EternityMelissa Marr
and the second and third of this series :)
hope you enjoy =D


Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Wings by Aprilynne Pike

You have A LOT of books on your to read self.
I recently picked up a new book... suprisingly not on your shelf :)
Fragile Eternity[author:Melissa Marr|1758..."
Thanks, Anna! I rarely read Paranormal YA novels since i read Twilight and the whole, "who will she end up with?", almost drove me to madness. I'll give this one a try though, it looks like the love triangle is not too heavy. My OCD wants me to start on the first book, so i'll be doing that!

You are all welcome! Though i had an invested interest on it as well.LOL

Thanks! I'm always excited about this challenge and the suspense is killing me.

Thank you for your recommendations :) It's okay, I love series! They all sound very interesting, and I've been meaning to read Shiver sometime, but I think I'm going to try and get my hands on Wings first :3
And I am very sorry that I haven't posted your recommendations yet..but I promise you'll have them today!

Hah, I think you're a bit cruel ;) Chosing only one of these for this month reads is very difficult... It's like choosing between creme brulee and tiramisu, hah.
...still thinking..."
Hi Annvelwis,
If you need an extra nudge... I also would highly recomend Angels & Demons! It is awesome! I have actually been thinking recently about a re-read.

Jessica I wasn't being critical just stating a fact. Anyway, I like your suggestions especially since I own almost all of them. I will read Archangel's Kiss. Thanks.

Just please give me a few hours until those missing receive the reminder i sent out. I should have someone else for you by 11pm. I also want to take a look at the recommendations you made for Julie and see if anything catches my eye. No need for the recommendations to go to waste. *GRINS*
Hmm, am doing some book shopping tonight as well so if you want to pick something i NEED while you wait...If it's something on my to-read shelf do not worry it doesn't mean i bought it, just that am aware of the book.

I know! Not to worry though, you'll have some recommendations by tonight for sure.

Barb, she knew you were not being critical. I spoke to her before she made the recommendations for you. What she meant was that since she had not read many books, her recommendations were based on what she thought she would like and others recommendation.

Yz the Whyz wrote: "Okay, Nicole. I went through your shelves and decided to pick two from your currently TBR shelf and two that you don't have on your shelf at all.
I noticed that you seem to lean towards Urban Fa..."

Wow, you have a LOT of books on your TBR list. Since I have read and enjoyed mostly Fantasy/Paranormal romance, I have to stick with those. Here are a few suggestions:
Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega, #1)by Patricia Briggs
It looks like you read the "On the Prowl" anthology which contained the prequel to this book. If you enjoy the Mercy books, then you may like these are well.
Also, Silver Borne (Mercedes Thompson, #5) by Patricia Briggs just came out and I am loving it.
Rogue (Shifters, #2) by Rachel Vincent
I see you read the first book, Stray, and have the rest on your TBR list. This is a great series, with the books getting better as they series progressed.
Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, #6) by Charlaine Harris. This is one of my favorite series.
I didn't notice any books by Judith McNaught or Diana Gabaldon on your TBR list. I highly recommend McNaught's novels Perfect and Paradise. The novel Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon is AMAZING if you love historical romance/adventure and timetravel.
Lastly, A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux was the first timetravel/romance I ever read and I still love it to this day.
Sorry for the late posting! Enjoy.

Yes...I really need to get going on all the books in my TBR shelf..but no matter, how much I read, it just keeps growing. : )
Since I just got this from the library, for this challenge I'm going to read Definitely Dead. Time for some Eric and Sookie. : )
I know I used to read McNaught and Deveraux quite a while ago but can't remember which books, so I'm starting fresh. I will be adding your suggested titles to my TBR list.
Great choices and thanks.

Hey Yz, isn't there a Dare going for the Outlander series?

Hey Yz, isn't there a Dare going for the Outlander series?"
Yep! Harper has one going.

Here are your recommendations :)
First of all, I see that you have the His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman on your TBR. I enjoyed these books very much, so I do think you should read them :3
I don't know what you'll think of him, but give Terry Pratchett a try. Just read one of his books and see whether you like it or not. The Color of Magic would probably be a good place to start. :)
A book that I really liked as well was The Princess and the Captain by Anne-Laure Bondoux
Going off the fact that you have a lot of paranormal on your list, I wonder what you'd think of Darren Shan...the Demonata series is a bit gory so I'd go for the Darren Shan Saga first, although I haven't quite finished it yet myself :3


Hey Yz, isn't there a Dare going for the Outlander series?"
What's a dare?

From your TBR list:
1)The Host by Stephanie Meyer.I wasn't a fan of the Twilight series(don't kill me!) but I found that The Host was very engaging and inventive.
2)The Sweet Scent of Blood by Suzanne McLeod.I had some trepidations about this book at first,thinking it would be a Merry Gentry pocket-penis-harem knock off but it exceeded my expectations & is very action packed.AND there's a love triangle!
3)You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister. MacAlister does TSTL(too stupid to live)heroines in such a humorous way that you want to hug them instead of push them down a well.AND the series is done so you don't have to deal with the agony of waiting for the next book to come out.
4)First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost.Now Denise & Spade ain't no Cat & Bones but their romance had a certain sweetness & vulnerability that I thought the Night Huntress series lacked.
Now to books not on your list:
1)Hunters: Heart and Soul by Shiloh Walker.It's a combination of two stories in the Hunter's series & imo some of the best.It even has an interacial romance which is so rare in romance these days!I believe these books can be stand-alone so you don't have to start from scratch.
2)Ghostland by Jory Strong.Its set during a paranormal post-apocalyptic world & features a shaman & a demon.The world building is very exceptional in this promising new series.
3)Beloved Vampire by Joey W. Hill. Now I haven't read any other books in her "Vampire Queen" series but this addition blew me away.The romance was so heartwrenching & the love scenes were so sensual.WARNING:It does have light to mild BDSM.
4)Ravenous by Sharon Ashwood. While this is classified as PNR,I thought it came off as more UF because of the great world building & the kickassness of the heroine.It features a witch who owns a P. I. business & the vampire she comes to for help on some of her cases.

Hey Yz, isn't there a Dare going for the Outlander series?"
What's a dare?"
This thread describes the Dare Challenges, but the purpose of a Dare is if you want to read something, but don't feel like reading it on your own, you can post a challenge daring other people to read it with you. I have one going for the Outlander Series right now. We're starting the first book this month and reading one book every month until we finish the most recent one in October.

Along with what Harper just said. What's up with the site today? I'm getting the post alerts late.LOL

Sorry Harper, LethalLovely already made some recommendations for her. Thank you for the offer! I'll keep you in mind for the others that are still waiting though.

Thanks for yours, I haven't read any of your recs and still trying to decide which to read first.
Yes, you are right, I have read a lot more but never made a list so trying to compile one now.
I have gone through your read and tbr lists and you have read a lot of books and quite varied too so its been difficult making selections for you.
I have chosen a mix from authors you have on your read shelf and new authors (nowhere on your lists)which I hope you will enjoy.
1. An historical romance from Cathy Marie Hake, an author you are familiar with.
That Certain Spark.
2. This is a book I read recently and I enjoyed The Ice Cream Girls
3.I started reading this book on a plane whilst going on holiday, wrong choice considering it starts with a plane crash!! Go, figure but then got into it and forgot about the crash and being on the plane. The Note
4. This is the another one from an author you have previously read Body Surfing
5. I read this book a couple of years ago and I absolutely enjoyed it. The House at Riverton
6. Finally, a book about the 16th century tudor times and about Katherine of Aragon The Constant Princess
I really hope you find something you like from the selection and have wonderful read. Look forward to reading your reviews and feedback


Yeah, I noticed that a little while ago. It's okay. Hopefully there'll be someone else I can partner with. Or someone can make recommendations for me out of the kindness of their heart. LOL. I'll check back in later.



I think we have similar tastes so I am picking for you Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice - I read it a very long time ago and thought the main charcter was complex, likeable and dislikeable based on the situation he was in and who he was dealing with. I really enojoyed the book and the several ones after it. I hope you do to.
There is also Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey which I am working my way through at the moment and enjoying it.
Another bookthat I quite enjoyed was The Seduction of a Duke by Donna MacMeans - somewhat of a historical read - quite entertaining though.
If these really don't do it for you there is Centurion by Simon Scarrow - more of an ancient history read - I am also reading it as well...I know I am book fluzie...
Enjoy! (So so sorry this is late)

From your TBR:
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (I love this book so I think you'll like it.)
2. Succubus On Top by Richelle Mead
3. Covet by J. R. Ward
4. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
New books:
1. Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon (I noticed that you didn't like Fantasy Lover that much. A lot of people don't but the series gets better as you go and I think you'll like this one.)
2. Stray by Rachel Vincent
3. Can't Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards (Louisa is a new author, and this is her first book. It's a very good contemporary romance. I love this book.)
I hope you're able to find something you like (if you use any of my recs)! :)

Hahahah Woops sorry..... I would start with the first one too :)

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Shiver by [author:Ma..."
WOW! Thats a lot... ahahaha thanks!
I havent really broadened my reading yet. I'm only 15 sooo :)
Anyway I'll look into those :)

Oh Harper, what are you going to do with all of those recommendations now? *ROFL*

Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to read either The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss or Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. I have been wanting to try both these authors for quite some time.
I hope you can get Bitten from teh library or used book store.
Books mentioned in this topic
Bitten (other topics)Blood Brothers (other topics)
Black Ice (other topics)
The House at Riverton (other topics)
The Forgotten Garden (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Karen Chance (other topics)Kat Richardson (other topics)
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (other topics)
Becca Fitzpatrick (other topics)
Robin McKinley (other topics)
More...
You seem to like a wide variety of books like I do so these are ones I thought you might enjoy.
Linda Lael Miller – Logan (Montana Creek #1)- I was just introduced to this series and really enjoyed it.
Shelly Laurenston – The Mane Event (Pride Series #1) - I find her books hilarious
Lora Leigh – Tempting the Beast (Breeds #1) - probably my favorite series
Sherilynn Kenyon – Night Pleasures (Dark Hunter Series) - another great series.
Pamela Clare – Extreme Exposure (I-Team series)- I just finished this series tonight. They were all great reads.
If these don't work for you just let me know.
Jaimie